Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a primary cause of the rapid warming that the world is currently experiencing?
Which of the following is a primary cause of the rapid warming that the world is currently experiencing?
- The natural cycle of the Earth becoming warmer after a period of being colder.
- Natural variations in temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns over decades.
- Increased volcanic activity releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels. (correct)
How do increasing greenhouse gas emissions contribute to rising global temperatures?
How do increasing greenhouse gas emissions contribute to rising global temperatures?
- By creating a barrier that prevents heat from escaping the Earth's atmosphere. (correct)
- By reflecting sunlight away from the Earth's surface.
- By absorbing harmful UV radiation before it reaches the Earth.
- By increasing the Earth's albedo, causing it to absorb more sunlight.
Besides warmer temperatures, what are some other consequences of climate change?
Besides warmer temperatures, what are some other consequences of climate change?
- More predictable weather patterns and decreased natural disasters.
- Intense droughts, water scarcity, and rising sea levels. (correct)
- A decrease in the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
- Increased biodiversity and stability of ecosystems.
Why are people living in small island developing states considered more vulnerable to climate change impacts?
Why are people living in small island developing states considered more vulnerable to climate change impacts?
According to a 2018 report, what is the maximum global temperature rise that scientists and government reviewers agreed would help avoid the worst climate impacts?
According to a 2018 report, what is the maximum global temperature rise that scientists and government reviewers agreed would help avoid the worst climate impacts?
While emissions affect everyone, which of the following is true regarding their distribution?
While emissions affect everyone, which of the following is true regarding their distribution?
What are the three broad categories of action to combat climate change?
What are the three broad categories of action to combat climate change?
To keep warming below 1.5C, what percentage of emissions cuts must be in place by 2030?
To keep warming below 1.5C, what percentage of emissions cuts must be in place by 2030?
What's a key benefit of early warning systems for disasters in the context of adapting to climate consequences?
What's a key benefit of early warning systems for disasters in the context of adapting to climate consequences?
What is the commitment that industrialized countries need to fulfill to help developing countries adapt and move towards greener economies?
What is the commitment that industrialized countries need to fulfill to help developing countries adapt and move towards greener economies?
Flashcards
Climate Change
Climate Change
Variations in temperature, rainfall, wind, and other elements over decades or more, accelerated by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap the sun's heat, leading to rising temperatures.
Net Zero Emissions
Net Zero Emissions
A commitment by countries to balance emissions and removals of greenhouse gases by 2050.
Climate Adaptation
Climate Adaptation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Energy Transition
Energy Transition
Signup and view all the flashcards
Climate Refugees
Climate Refugees
Signup and view all the flashcards
Paris Agreement
Paris Agreement
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Climate change can occur naturally with variations in temperature, rainfall, and wind over decades or more.
- The current rapid warming is primarily due to human activities that burn fossil fuels to create greenhouse gas emissions.
- Greenhouse gas emissions from human activity trap the sun's heat and increase temperatures.
- Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change:
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Burning fossil fuels, clearing land and forests
- Landfills for garbage
- Energy, industry, agriculture and waste disposal are major emitters.
- Greenhouse gas concentrations are at their highest levels in 2 million years and continue to rise.
- The earth is about 1.1°C warmer than in the 1800s, and the last decade was the warmest on record.
- Climate change consequences:
- Intense droughts
- Water scarcity
- Severe fires
- Rising sea levels
- Flooding
- Melting polar ice
- Catastrophic storms
- Declining biodiversity.
- Climate change affects:
- Health
- Food production
- Housing
- Safety
- Work
- Some communities are already being displaced by conditions like sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion.
- Limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C would help avoid the worst climate impacts.
- Current carbon dioxide emissions could increase global temperature by as much as 4.4°C by the end of the century.
- The 100 least-emitting countries generate 3 per cent of total emissions.
- The 10 largest emitters contribute 68 per cent of emissions.
- There are three board categories of action to take:
- Cut emissions
- Adapt to climate impacts
- Finance required adjustments.
- Switching energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables like solar will reduce the emissions driving climate change.
- A growing coalition of countries is committing to net zero emissions by 2050.
- Roughly half of emissions cuts must be in place by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5°C.
- Fossil fuel production must decline by roughly 6 per cent per year between 2020 and 2030.
- Adapting to climate consequences protects people, homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure and natural ecosystems.
- Industrialized countries committed to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries, so they can adapt and move towards greener economies.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
